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ALTERNATIVES
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VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£430RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:128 GBScreen size:6.21 inchesMain camera megapixels:12 MP & 12 MP

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

90%

6.1

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 74% of smartphones
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

â–¼Worse than 88%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

25%

5.9

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.6

Camera

15%

5.3

Display

15%

4.7

Battery

10%

7.1

Software

10%

7.4

Connectivity

4%

2.7

Audio

3%

7.2

Design

â–¼Worse than 68%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £430
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

25%

5.9

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.6

Camera

15%

5.3

Display

15%

4.7

Battery

10%

7.1

Software

10%

7.4

Connectivity

4%

2.7

Audio

3%

7.2

Design

6.1
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

6.8
Brand name
Xiaomi
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor which is faster than processors in 52.3% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.9% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
128 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 128 GB which is smaller than the storage of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 28.4% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.8 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.8 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 64.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.1% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 8 Oreo
Android version
Android 8 Oreo
This smartphone runs Android version Android 8 Oreo which is older than that found in 96.6% of smartphones and equal to that in 1.7% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
12 MP & 12 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 12 MP & 12 MP which is lower than that of 95.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.2% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 57.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.6% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
23.5 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 23.5 mm² which is smaller than the main camera sensor area of 73.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.1% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1.4 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1.4 µm which is larger than in 92.7% of smartphones and equal to the size in 4% of smartphones.
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
no
This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.21 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.21 inches which is smaller than the screens of 91.2% of smartphones and equal to those of 0.1% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2248 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2248 px which is lower than that of 75% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Pixel density
402 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 402 ppi which is higher than that of 61.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.3% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is lower than in 84.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 15.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
3,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 3,000 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 97.5% of smartphones and equal to those in 1.1% of smartphones.
Charging speed
18 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 18 W which is slower than in 76% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 11.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
no
This smartphone does not include stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
154.9 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 154.9 mm which is shorter than 91.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Width
74.8 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 74.8 mm which is narrower than 72.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.1% of smartphones.
Thickness
7.6 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 7.6 mm which is thinner than 86% of smartphones and equal to that of 3.5% of smartphones.
Weight
175 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 175 g which is lighter than 89.9% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.8% of smartphones.
Device volume
79,772 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 79,772 cm³ which is smaller than 94.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.2% of smartphones.
Show more

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (2 x vs 0 x).
    2 x vs 0 x
  • 0.6 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Has 3D facial recognition
    This smartphone features 3D facial recognition, the average smartphone does not. 4.3% of smartphones support 3D face unlock.
  • 50% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (9 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    9 W vs 6 W
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Has a front LED flash
    This smartphone features a front-facing LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 7.8% of smartphones include a front flash.
  • 50% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (9 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    9 W vs 6 W
  • 2 more memory channels
    This smartphone has more memory channels than the average smartphone (4 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (4x2.8 GHz & 4x1.77 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    4x2.8 GHz & 4x1.77 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 16.7% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 50% more L2 cache
    This smartphone has more L2 cache than the average smartphone (1,536 KB vs 1,024 KB). The average L2 cache is 1,024 KB.
    1,536 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 16.8% higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (29.9 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    29.9 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (2 x vs 0 x).
    2 x vs 0 x
  • 0.6 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Has a front LED flash
    This smartphone features a front-facing LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 7.8% of smartphones include a front flash.
  • Has a multi-lens front camera
    This smartphone features a multi-lens front camera, the average smartphone does not. 18% of smartphones have multiple front lenses.
  • Supports 360° panorama
    This smartphone can capture 360° panoramas, the average smartphone cannot. 25.2% of smartphones support 360° panoramas.
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 22.60x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    2160x60 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Allows manual shutter speed
    This smartphone allows manual shutter speed control, the average smartphone does not. 29.8% of smartphones include this.
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (20 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
    20 MP vs 16 MP
  • Has 3D facial recognition
    This smartphone features 3D facial recognition, the average smartphone does not. 4.3% of smartphones support 3D face unlock.
  • Supports motion tracking
    This smartphone supports motion tracking, the average smartphone does not. 22% of smartphones offer motion tracking capabilities.
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Has an infrared sensor
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • 1.8% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (402 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    402 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 10.8% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (175 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    175 g vs 196.2 g
  • 8.7 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (154.9 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    154.9 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 0.7 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (7.6 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    7.6 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 1.2 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (74.8 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    74.8 mm vs 76 mm
  • 18.4% smaller volume
    This smartphone has a smaller device volume than the average smartphone (79,772 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³). The average smartphone volume is 97,800 cm³.
    79,772 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 40% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (3,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
    3,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No stereo speakers
    This smartphone does not have stereo speakers, the average smartphone does. 64.4% of smartphones feature stereo speakers.
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • 5.44x less popular
    Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 8.5% worse value for money
    Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.76 vs 7.3).
    6.76 vs 7.34
  • 65.4% more expensive
    Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£430 vs £260).
    £430 vs £260
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • 25.3% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (710 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    710 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 66.7% larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (10 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    10 nm vs 6 nm
  • 42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 14 GB
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 32.1% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (1,866 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
    1,866 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 50% less L3 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L3 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 4,096 KB). The average smartphone has an L3 cache of 4,096 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 54% lower 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in the 3DMark Wild Life benchmark than the average smartphone (1,432 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115 in this benchmark.
    1,432 vs 3,115
  • 58.6% lower 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (508 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    508 vs 1,226
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 8 Oreo vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 8 Oreo vs Android 14
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • Does not allow play while downloading
    This smartphone cannot play games while downloading, the average smartphone can. 77.3% of smartphones support play-while-downloading.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 26.6% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (23.5 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    23.5 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • 17.5% lower DxOMark Mobile score
    This smartphone has a lower DxOMark Mobile score than the average smartphone (99 vs 120). The average smartphone scores 120.
    99 vs 120
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5 vs 5.2
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 0.46 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.2 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.21 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 34.2% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (434 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    434 nits vs 660 nits
  • Lower screen resolution
    This smartphone has a lower screen resolution than the average smartphone (1080x2248 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone has a resolution of 1080x2400 px.
    1080x2248 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 400 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (600 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    600 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 40% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (3,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
    3,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 45.5% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (18 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    18 W vs 33 W
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • No stereo speakers
    This smartphone does not have stereo speakers, the average smartphone does. 64.4% of smartphones feature stereo speakers.
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • 6 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2018 vs 2024). 6.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    June 2018
    2018 vs 2024

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

5.0
TechTablets
≈ estimated
20/08/2018
Hands-on review · face unlock, GPS and comparison with the standard model
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition is a good phone, but at this price the standard Mi 8 is the better buy.
5.0
SoyaCincau
≈ estimated
23/08/2018
First impressions · look, build and price
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition looks cool but feels like the standard model and isn't worth the premium for the exclusivity.
Shop video
Not graded
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

mashable.com
08/06/2018
Hands-on test · Transparent design
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition is a striking see-through phone with dummy chips on the back, and it is not sold in the US.
notebookcheck.net
29/09/2018
Lab-tested review · Transparent-back phone
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition is a well-built, eye-catching phone, but its beta-like MIUI software and mono speaker hold it back.
china-gadgets.de
28/08/2018
Test · Transparent-back phone
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition is a striking, comfortable AMOLED phone whose transparent back is a plastic replica, so tech fans may feel let down.
andreagaleazzi.com
10/09/2018
Hands-on review · Transparent design
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition looks striking and unlocks quickly, but its battery is weak and it is unlikely to reach Europe officially.
tuttoandroid.net
19/09/2018
Hands-on review · Transparent-back phone
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition is an eye-catching phone with strong photos and fast 3D face unlock, but its fingerprint reader and smaller battery let it down.
smartworld.it
13/10/2018
Full review · Transparent-back phone
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition is a unique, well-built phone with strong performance, but it has a smaller battery and no expandable storage or headphone jack.
notebookcheck.nl
15/11/2018
Benchmark test · Snapdragon 845 phone
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition is a fast phone whose AnTuTu and Geekbench results keep pace with rivals, but its graphics scores and 128GB storage are weaker.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB)

  • Excellent performance from the Snapdragon 845 processor and 8GB RAM, handling intensive tasks and gaming smoothly.
  • High-quality AMOLED display with excellent brightness, vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles.
  • Impressive build quality and premium feel, despite some design controversies.
  • Fast and reliable fingerprint scanner and secure 3D infrared (IR) face recognition that works well even in the dark.
  • Good camera performance in bright light, producing detailed and sharp photos with good color accuracy.
  • Useful camera features like AI scene detection, portrait mode with good edge detection, and a capable telephoto lens with optical image stabilization (OIS).
  • Loud and clear audio output from the speakers.
  • Decent battery life that can last a full day with moderate to heavy use.
  • Fast charging support (Quick Charge 4.0+, though it ships with a QC 3.0 charger).
  • Feature-rich MIUI software with useful additions like full-screen gestures and Second Space for privacy.
  • Dual-frequency GPS for more accurate location tracking, especially in urban areas.

What customers don't like about Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB)

  • The transparent back panel is purely an aesthetic 'prop' or an ornamental piece of RF shielding, not a view of the actual internal components, which was a point of controversy for some users.
  • No official IP rating for water or dust resistance.
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack (adapter is included in the box).
  • The camera module protrudes, causing the phone to tilt when laid on its back.
  • Camera performance in low light conditions is lacking compared to modern flagships, with some noise in images.
  • 4K video recording lacks stabilization, making videos potentially shaky.
  • No option for expandable storage via microSD card.
  • The screen can get scratched easily and is relatively fragile to pinpoint impacts.
  • The display is not always satisfactory in harsh sunlight due to reflections.
  • Some users reported occasional heating issues even without heavy usage.
  • The phone has a noticeable notch and a 'chin' bezel at the bottom, which some found less aesthetically pleasing.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8GB + 128GB) is a distinctive smartphone known for its unique transparent glass back that showcases a simulated internal components design, coupled with a 6.21-inch Super AMOLED display and a pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint sensor. Powered by the flagship Snapdragon 845 processor and 8GB of RAM, it delivered high performance with smooth multitasking capabilities. It featured a capable dual 12MP rear camera system and advanced 3D face recognition technology for secure unlocking. Primary cons included the absence of an official IP water resistance rating, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and average battery life compared to some competitors.

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